The Heights is rooted in a deep commitment to community collaboration. From the beginning, the Saint Paul Port Authority has prioritized meaningful public engagement to ensure that the development reflects the values, needs, and aspirations of those who live and work in Saint Paul’s Greater East Side and surrounding areas.
To bring the City’s approved Master Plan to life, the Port Authority launched a multi-phase Community Relations Plancentered around equity, transparency, and trust-building. A core strategy within this plan was the formation of Community Engagement Workgroups—small, topic-specific teams composed of local residents and stakeholders.
Community Workgroups
Each workgroup focused on a key aspect of The Heights development. Participants were selected through an open application process and represented a cross-section of community voices. These workgroups met regularly to review plans, provide feedback, and co-create recommendations that would guide future development decisions. Key workgroups included:
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Housing Workgroup
Focused on diverse, inclusive housing needs and affordability. -
Urban Design Workgroup
Explored community-centered approaches to streets, blocks, and buildings. -
Outdoor Spaces Workgroup
Identified priorities for green space, recreation, and gathering areas (excluding the future City park). -
Public Art Workgroup
Collaborated with Forecast Public Art to determine how art can tell the story of the neighborhood. -
Sustainability Workgroup
Provided direction on achieving carbon-free infrastructure and advancing long-term environmental goals.
Each workgroup produced summaries, meeting notes, and recommendations, which were shared publicly to ensure ongoing transparency. Their input is being integrated into design guidelines, development covenants, and planning documents.
This collaborative model reinforces The Heights’ mission: Equipping and investing in our diverse and thriving community to reach new heights through sustainable living and economic vitality.
Through ongoing engagement, The Heights continues to be shaped by the community, for the community.
